Molecular Marker-Based Approaches for Crop Improvement

Molecular markers have become one of the most important genomic tools and are being used extensively for crop breeding and improvement programs. Genomics research is giving new insights into statistical approaches that can be used in breeding programs, increasing efficiency and precision. Techniques like Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP), Restricted Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), Simple-Sequence Repeats (SSRs), Sequence-Tagged Sites (STSs) account for the reliability of marker-assisted selection (MAS) of agronomically important traits. Genetic variations can be harnessed from cultivars and wild species using recent genetic approaches like Advanced-Backcross QTL (AB-QTL) analysis, Introgression Libraries (ILs), and Multi-Parent Advanced Generation Intercross (MAGIC) populations. These variations or genes of interest can be introduced through breeding approaches such as Marker Assisted Recurrent Selection (MARS) or Marker Assisted Back Crossing (MABC). This chapter provides an introduction to some recent advancements in biotechnology and the use of molecular marker-based approaches for crop selection and improvement.